Qazigund, Dec 20 (KNS) :In anticipation of moderate to heavy snowfall in the higher reaches and rain/snowfall in the plains from December 20 to 23, a high-level coordination meeting was convened at Qazigund under the chairmanship of SSP Traffic Rural Kashmir, Shri R. P. Singh, to ensure safe and uninterrupted movement of traffic on National Highway-44 (NH-44).
According to a press release issued ,The meeting was attended by senior officers of District Police, Civil Administration, Ramki, Beacon, Nowyug (Qazigund–Banihal) Tunnel authorities, Toll Plaza authorities of Qazigund and Banihal, DySP Traffic Qazigund, SDPO Qazigund, Tehsildar Qazigund, DTIs, and Jawahar Tunnel Police.
The meeting focused on strengthening traffic management and ensuring commuter safety on NH-44 during the expected spell of adverse weather. All concerned agencies were directed to carry out prompt, continuous, and efficient snow-clearance operations to keep the highway operational and minimize disruption to vehicular movement.
To curb wrong-lane driving and maintain disciplined traffic flow, it was decided that cemented barricades would be installed at various cut points along the highway. Adequate snow-clearing machinery and recovery equipment will be positioned at identified slippery and accident-prone locations to prevent mishaps and ensure smooth passage of vehicles.
The official added that a substantial deployment of traffic personnel has been planned from Pampore to the Nowyug Tunnel at Qazigund, with special focus on sensitive and critical stretches of NH-44. The Nowyug Tunnel authorities were specifically instructed to proactively regulate or suspend traffic during severe weather to avoid vehicles getting stranded inside the tunnel.
Toll Plaza authorities at Qazigund and Banihal were also advised to maintain close coordination with all stakeholders to ensure timely and effective responses to changing ground situations.
Commuters and drivers have been urged to strictly follow traffic advisories, exercise caution while driving, and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of heavy snowfall in the interest of safety.
Addressing the meeting, SSP Traffic Rural Kashmir stressed the importance of seamless coordination, effective communication, and swift response among all agencies. He called upon all stakeholders to remain alert, prepared, and focused on public safety during the inclement weather.
A comprehensive action plan was finalized during the meeting to mitigate the impact of snowfall and ensure smooth, safe, and uninterrupted traffic movement on NH-44.(KNS)
